Adult Protection

About the Unit

The Adult Protective Services Unit, as an agent of the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, is authorized to investigate the abuse, neglect and exploitation of a vulnerable adult, who resides in a community setting, and to provide protective services and community support to that person.

Protective services are those that prevent maltreatment and allow vulnerable adults to maximize their functioning and to live safely in the community. Services are often provided in collaboration with Public Health Nursing, other Social Services staff, law enforcement, hospitals and home health care agencies.

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center

If you suspect maltreatment of a Vulnerable Adult in Scott County, contact the toll free MN Adult Reporting Center (MAARC) hotline which is staffed 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

1-844-880-1574 is the toll-free number for the general public

If your situation is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 to reach your local law enforcement agency.

Identifying who a Vulnerable Adult (VA) and what maltreatment is can be challenging for many different reasons. The following information may assist you in understanding vulnerable adult maltreatment reporting.

Who is a vulnerable Adult?

A vulnerable adult can be anyone over age 18 who:

Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment